Kid Rock Defends TPUSA's 'All-American' Halftime Show Amid Backlash

The alternative Super Bowl halftime event featuring conservative artists faces criticism over past lyrics and comments.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 2:55pm

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As the Super Bowl halftime stage lights up with Bad Bunny, a parallel 'All-American Halftime Show' produced by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is drawing intense scrutiny. Headlined by Kid Rock, the event features country artists Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett and is streamed on TPUSA's YouTube, X and Rumble channels, plus right-leaning networks. TPUSA announced the alternative halftime program in response to conservative criticism of Bad Bunny's selection, labeling the NFL's choice 'woke' and 'un-American.' Kid Rock defended the event, saying neither he nor the other performers 'are approaching this with any hate in our hearts.' However, critics resurfaced Kid Rock's past lyrics and comments about underage girls, sparking backlash.

Why it matters

The TPUSA halftime show reflects a growing trend of political groups producing their own live-event streams to compete with mainstream broadcasts. As audiences seek content that aligns with their ideological preferences, we can expect more 'alternative' halftime shows, award-show counters, and festival streams tailored to specific voter bases. This could lead to venues partnering with political organizations for exclusive streaming rights, offering 'political watch parties' that double as brand promotion.

The details

Turning Point USA announced the alternative halftime program in response to conservative criticism of Bad Bunny's selection, labeling the NFL's choice 'woke' and 'un-American.' The organization frames the event as a celebration of 'faith, family, and freedom,' positioning it as a 'reflection' of American values. Kid Rock told Fox & Friends that neither he nor the other performers 'are approaching this with any hate in our hearts,' emphasizing a 'love for our base and love for music, our country.' However, critics resurfaced Kid Rock's 2001 song 'Cool, Daddy Cool,' which contains a lyric about 'young ladies... underage,' as well as a 2001 Saturday Night Live remark about under-age girls. Democrats on X labeled the comments 'the face of the MAGA halftime show.' The controversy intensified just days before the live stream.

  • The TPUSA 'All-American Halftime Show' was streamed during the Super Bowl halftime on February 12, 2026.

The players

Kid Rock

An American singer, songwriter, and musician who is the headliner of the TPUSA 'All-American Halftime Show.'

Turning Point USA (TPUSA)

A conservative non-profit organization that produced the 'All-American Halftime Show' as an alternative to the NFL's Super Bowl halftime performance.

Brantley Gilbert

An American country music singer and songwriter who performed in the TPUSA 'All-American Halftime Show.'

Lee Brice

An American country music singer and songwriter who performed in the TPUSA 'All-American Halftime Show.'

Gabby Barrett

An American country music singer and songwriter who performed in the TPUSA 'All-American Halftime Show.'

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.